Monthly Archives: September 2013

Can I rant a little? I promise not to do this often, but after all it is my blog so I think I get to let loose every once in awhile.

Right now, right in this moment, I am in a very strange stage in life. I’m not in highschool, I’m not in college, I haven’t moved out, I’m not married, I’m not working a “real” job. There are a lot of things I’m “not”. And somehow those are the only things people care about. Whenever I meet someone new or even chat with an old friend or family member these are the questions I get. First they want to know what college I go to, and when I answer with “I’m actually not in school right now, I’m just working,” they naturally ask “So where do you work?” and that, my friends, is where things get complicated. See, by the time I explain that I have my own small business and am in the process of building a second business while doing some babysitting/nannying several days a week, they hear this… “I don’t have a real job and I’m not going to college because I’m lazy and I don’t really know what I’m doing with my life.”

How do I know this? Because about halfway through explaining what I do, their eyes glaze over and as soon as I am done speaking they ask “So… do you have college plans then?”

You know what? No. No I don’t. I’m sorry that what I do doesn’t fit the conventional mold. I’m sorry that I’m not following societal norm. I’m sorry that the possibility of being yet another unemployed college graduate with a pile of debt doesn’t sound as appealing as working for myself and doing what I love, which BY THE WAY I am doing quite successfully if anyone cares.

Yeah, I actually make money. No, I don’t sit around at home all day. Believe it or not, I work. A lot. I put countless hours into my work and I’m proud of what I do.

I didn’t pick this route because I’m lazy. I didn’t pick it because I’m intimidated by college. I picked it because I have bigger dreams than following the exact same route every other 20-something takes. I picked it because it is my God given desire to be a wife and mother and to be able to stay home and care for my family, and this is a path that will allow me to easily do that. And I am sick and tired of being told that’s wrong or that I am selling myself short.

I’m not the only girl I know who is in this place, and I think it’s time we speak up. There may be a lot of things we are not, but I’m ready to hear people talk about what we are.

**disclaimer– I would like to add that while I am ranting about the judgement I have felt from others, I am not by any means trying to cast judgement on those who ARE attending school and are pursuing higher education. There is absolutely a need for that within certain fields and I am thankful for the doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc who are following their calling which requires a college degree. I would like to see ALL the judgement cast aside, both towards those attending college and those who are not.**

I just returned from an amazing week in San Diego to attend my cousin’s wedding, and instead of typing up a long boring post detailing my week, I decided to run with the whole “a picture is worth a thousand words” thing and let you see all in my Instagram posts throughout the week!! Here we go!!

Ethan is packed and ready!

A bunch of crazy kids in the airport.

Finally in San Diego!

The view outside our hotel in Old Town.

Steven had to skateboard in San Diego.

The little boys enjoyed the skate park, too.

The view from the skate park.

A short walk from the skate park took us to “dog beach”

Chacos and the ocean, two of my favorite things!!

The view from the 29th floor of my aunt’s apartment was incredible, you can see Mexico!

I found a horse at the San Diego zoo!

And an elephant.

And a Jason.

Kathryn was a terrible co-sleeper. She looks innocent, but she steals the covers.

Ethan loves the sand.

Wedding time!

Kathryn looks all grown up.

Ethan made a friend at the wedding.

Taking a peek at the Midway.

Ferry ride to Coronado.

Last day selfie with the biggest little brother and littlest little brother.

Flying over San Diego on the long ride home.

I hope you enjoyed these pictures! If you want to keep up with the rest of my shenanigans, feel free to follow me on Instagram! My username is ckaes93.